Adel Parish Church is a Grade 1 national treasure and an architectural gem. Our Church built circa 1150 has retained its Norman heritage and for over 800 years has been a cherished landmark in the area. Those of us who live in the Parish are truly fortunate to possess such a wonderful building and its lovely environment. It is something which gives us all great pleasure whatever our religious beliefs.

Our Parish Church is essentially sound but we have to re-build the Bell Tower. The cost of the building work is estimated to be in the region of £40,000. We launched an Appeal in June 2009. The response has been magnificent with individuals, organisations and businesses all coming forward to lend a hand with the task. We have now raised in the region of £25,000, a remarkable effort. Thank you to all who helped in any way. This has given us the confidence to start the repair work and now the need is to raise the remaining funds to complete the task.

This is therefore an appeal to you in the wider community for your support. The task is somewhat similar to that of climbing a mountain in that the final third of the journey is the most strenuous calling for the biggest effort which will need us all to pull together if we are to reach the summit and our final goal.

The Church Members have been magnificent and we have had an excellent response calling for ideas. Details of events and initiatives can found here.

Please give what you can to ensure our wonderful church building remains a focal point for the community for the next 800 years. Send donations to David Boulton, Adel PCC Treasurer, 403 Otley Old Road, Leeds LS16 7DF. Thank You.
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Here is a flavour of planned events and initiatives in support of the appeal. The information will be updated as the details are finalised.

Val Crompton, our local historian, has produced a book of superb quality on the "History of Adel".  This has 240 illustrations of which over 100 are in full colour.  It is amazing value at only £5 and can be purchased at Adel Parish Church on Thursdays between 1-4pm, Adel Wood Stores or by telephoning Val 0113 225 9142.

On 18th February at 7.30pm at Adel Parish Church, Dr Barrie Hopson, on behalf of Adel Association, has engaged Professor Joyce Hill, Emeritus Professor at the University of Leeds and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the Adel Association to speak on the Anglo Saxon Gold and Garnet Treasure recently found in Staffordshire.  Tickets are £5 and are available from the Church, at the door on the night or from Sylvia Halliday or Beryl Thompson on 2673875.

Ruth Reid has arranged for the Leeds College of Music Community Wind Orchestra to give a concert on Saturday, 27th February at 7.30pm at St John the Baptist Primary School, Long Causeway.  The Orchestra is a lively ensemble made up of students from the College and members of the local community who have a passion for music.  It has a repertoire ranging from classical composers such as Ravel and Stravinsky to big band show tunes and music from the movies. Tickets, which are £6 for Adults and £3 for children can be obtained from the school or telephone John Hartley 0113 2817461 or Carole Smithies 0113 2813190.

Jennifer Weatherhead from Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, is to open York Gate Garden, Back Church Lane for "Snowdrop Sunday" on 28th February from 11.00am - 4.00pm.  This is an exceptional opportunity to see the wonderful display of snowdrops in one of Britain's most inspirational gardens. Browse the York Gate Plant Stall and talk to the Head Gardener and Guides. Adults £3.80 children FREE.  Teas and coffee with be available in the Old Stables.

There will be a family sponsored walk of the York Castle Walls on 17th April starting at 3.00pm arranged by Geoff Steel.  This is a great opportunity to explore the city and see the displays of daffodils.

There will be an Organ Recital by the famed Dr Christopher Hainsworth on Sunday, 18th April @ 3.00pm 'til 4.15pm at Adel Parish Church, Adel, Leeds LS16 8DQ. Chris has been described as "New Zealand's most entertaining classical organist.” Come prepared to be captivated with a mixture of high and low-brow music in a witty presentation. This is a rare opportunity to hear an internationally acclaimed musician. It is an event suitable for lovers of all types of music. Chris was formerly Associate Professor of Music in Waikato University New Zealand. He now lives in France and is Director of Beziers Conservatoire and Organist of Beziers Cathedral. His ancestors lived at Adel Mill and he would like to help with the Adel Parish Church Bell Tower Appeal and therefore donations will be sought at the end of the Recital. 

On 15^th May at 6.00pm get ready to go on "Safari" in the Adel neighbourhood whereby you move from house to house for different courses of an evening meal.  You will meet different people at each course.  Enjoy a friendly, simple and informal supper so if you are seeking a long drawn out gourmet dinner this is not for you.  “Safari- goers” will be asked to host one course.  Find out more and how to join by telephoning Deborah Hainsworth on 0113 2611769.

Finally, we hope to hold a mysterious event in Church in June, more details later. The Patronal Festival will be on the week-end 26th, 27th June 2010. 

If you have any fund raising ideas simply send them to or call him on telephone 0113 2817461. Those activities that enable us to enjoy fellowship, as an added bonus, are especially welcome.